Instructor Class Description

Waves

Electromagnetic waves, optics, waves in matter, and experiments in these topics for physical science and engineering majors. Lecture tutorial and lab components must all be taken to receive credit. Credit is not given for both B CUSP 145 and B CUSP 151. Prerequisite: B PHYS 122.

Class description

We will cover topics such as Simple Harmonic Motion, Wave Equations, Doppler Effect, physical optics, diffraction and refraction, light and matter waves, and atomic structure. If time permits, we will also cover an introduction to special relativity and nuclear decays.

Student learning goals

Understand how simple harmonic motion can apply to a great number of models of nature.

obtain a good sense of wave mechanics in classical and quantized systems

understand the basics of scattered waves such as in diffraction and refraction

Have good awareness of the basics of particle-wave duality

Leave the course with a sense of the value of relativity to address very fast moving matter objects and waves

General method of instruction

I will use multi-color markers on the white board for most of the lectures. There will also be in-class demonstrations as well as accessing demonstrations on the web. Please read carefully the course syllabus to glean other information about the course.

We will also engage in tutorials to help build conceptual knowledge of the fundamental principles. These tutorials will be performed in groups and require very little mathematics.

Recommended preparation

A pre-requisite is BPHYS 122 and calculus 2 (but this can also be a requisite). a year of high school physics is a plus

Class assignments and grading

Homework will generally be assign on-line using WebAssign. You can access WebAssign thru the course homepage.

The information above is intended to be helpful in choosing courses. Because the instructor may further develop his/her plans for this course, its characteristics are subject to change without notice. In most cases, the official course syllabus will be distributed on the first day of class.Additional Information
Last Update by Warren W Buck
Date: 04/01/2014

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Modified:April 23, 2014